Falling leaves interrupt the beam of my headlights as they reflect off of the wet pavement along this winding rural road in the Tennessee hills.  My eyes are heavy after a full day of working, but the constant awareness of the dead body in the back of my vehicle, keeps me distracted from the fatigue.  Driving through the night, I wonder at how, being a fresh college graduate just a few months ago, I would have never imagined being in this situation.  Driving a vehicle with a corpse right behind my seat?   Really?!?  Not me!  But, it was true.  I was in a situation that I had never dreamed would ever happen.

My headlights illuminate the the eerily darkened building as I turn into the drive.  Pulling up to the rear entrance, the only thing going through my mind is getting the body out of my vehicle and into this building, so that I can get on my way...back home where I am safe, dry and warm.

Last Sunday, as my wife and I were returning home from church and having lunch with friends, I did something I seldom do on a Sunday afternoon.  I set my GPS to lead us home.  We were on the east side the city, and we live on the northwest side.  Sometimes interstates can get backed up on Sundays, with summer travelers either heading out for their week of vacation, or going back home.  So, I thought Siri would make sure I detoured any standstill traffic and get us home more quickly.  About an hour and fifteen minutes later, we were finally arriving at our front door...a trip that typically takes about thirty minutes.  The kicker was, there were no traffic jams or heavy-traffic slow-downs.  Apparently, I had accidentally set the maps app to avoid highways.  I think we explored every back road and country avenue there was between Old Hickory and Ashland City.  We saw countryside we had never seen before.  What should have been about a thirty-minute trip, ended up being 1 1/2 times longer.  A GPS navigation device can be a helpful tool...as a matter of fact, I have become accustomed to using them extensively in my day-to-day work as well as any road trip we take.  I follow the directions without much thought, unlike the days when I had to read a paper roadmap.  As you can see, sometimes that can be a problem.  As a matter of fact, it could be dangerous, if one doesn't remain alert.  On at least two occasions, while traveling, I have had the GPS navigation device tell me to go the wrong way on a one-way street.  As much as we rely upon navigation technology, we need to be intentional and alert in order to stay on the right path...the one that gets us to where we need to be.

Long before it was an American hit sitcom, or a rap music group, the term "arrested development" was used to describe a condition in which the individual ceases normal psychological development (or is stuck in a particular psychological development stage) due to trauma, lacking some aspect of nurturance, or a chemical addiction.  Though no longer used in that manner among psychological professionals, the concept crossed my mind as I thought about the topic of this post.   I thought of it as a play on words, but nevertheless, to drive home a point.

In an earlier post, I wrote about the importance of the rhythms of life.  The final point of that post was the importance of the "Rhythm of Rest and Self-Care."  As we consider the drive of living our purpose in life, one of the first considerations is not usually taking a rest.  Understandably, our drive and desire to live purposefully may also be a drive to think only of activity and neglect the balance that our lives need.  How may our development of a purposeful life be arrested if we neglect our rest?

• Physical decline - bodies require sufficient rest to refuel, restore and heal.  Neglect of rest will compromise our health.  If we are tempted to seek self-satisfaction, praise from others or even thinking that we are pleasing God, by relentlessly pushing the envelope of physical and mental functioning, we will eventually fail to be of usefulness to anyone.
• Mental confusion - our minds are effected by our physical condition.  A lack of rest causes foggy thinking.  If you've ever driven on a road trip when you are exhausted, you know how easy it is to become confused and even disoriented from fatigue.  If we are not at our best, with the rest our bodies need, we can't hope to do our best at fulfilling our purpose in life.
• Irritability - a child lets you know when she is tired...it is usually through being fussy or crying.  As adults, we tend to do the same thing, only in slightly different ways.  We become irritable, cranky...we can become unkind and often act in selfish ways.  Depriving ourselves of needed rest makes it difficult to manage our relationships, responsibilities and rationale in ways that reflect the heart of Christ.

Jesus gave us the example of a balanced life.  He was fully committed to His purpose...the most important mission in all the world.  He led a very busy life of ministry leading up to His ultimate sacrifice as Messiah.  Yet, he always made sure to find time for rest and for solitude.  When God set the example for us in His acts of creation, he established the Sabbath rest.  The regular rhythm of rest is what we need...God knows that.

The Apostle Peter reminds us that a relationship with Jesus actually promotes rest...for the soul.

Jesus put it this way...

So...what does rest look like for you...daily rest, weekly rest, times of retreat and solitude?  These are all important in the rhythm of life.  Rest can include many things...each person is unique in how they find rest and refreshment.  Think about what it is that is life-giving for you.  What is it that, when you have engaged it, you emerge energized, fulfilled and prepared for the challenges of life?  Consider some suggestions:

• Time alone to read and meditate
• A walk in the forest
• Sitting on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves
• Exercising or a run
• Sleeping late or getting to bed early
• Listening to your favorite music
• Private worship
• Star gazing on a clear night
• Working on a craft or hobby
• A chat with a friend
• A morning swim
• A weekend at a cabin

Whatever fits you best, it should be something you plan into your life with intentionality...and it may be a combination of things.  Life has a way of taking over if we let it.  Even the work and purpose we love, if not in balance, can become the very thing that undermines our health and wellbeing.  It shouldn't be that way...it doesn't have to be that way.  I applaud churches and ministries who recognize this and build into the job description of their leaders, sabbaticals.  If you find it nearly impossible to take rest, ask yourself, "Why?"  Consider if you are trying to prove something...to yourself, to others...to God.  Remember, we are not in a performance-based relationship with our Redeemer.

Universal Elements of Rest
For the follower of Christ, there are some elements of rest that can be incorporated into any rest experience we find rejuvenating.  Consider how these fit your unique choices.

1. Reflection - thinking about life, our journey, our relationships, our connection with our God.  This may seem like a chore, but, in the rest environment, reflection can help us sort out the things that may steal our peace and rest.
2. Prayer - this seems to be cliché,  but it is anything but.  In our rest, we must commune with the One who gives us rest.  His "yoke is easy and His burden is light."
3. Solitude - not that all of our resting must be done in solitude, but, it is important that we allow ourselves to have such times in order to be able to incorporate items 1 and 2.  There is something good about being able to be alone in peace...and being alone in peace.
4. Nature - this one may be debatable, but I am a pretty firm believer in the power of connection with God's creation as a healing and refreshing experience.  If you can incorporate surrounding yourself with the beauty and sounds of creation, you will enhance your rest tremendously.

So, there you have it...my thoughts on the importance of incorporating rest into your life.  God, the Father, instructed it; Jesus, His Son, modeled it; and, through His Spirit, enables it.  Now, it is our responsibility to plan it.  If you do, you will find "a rested development" of a well-balanced life.

Two of the most awe-inspiring places I've ever visited, as an American, were thousands of miles apart, but their impact comes from the same source. Those two locations were Arlington National Cemetery and Normandy American Cemetery.

I remember my first visit to Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, DC.  Observing the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier was a moving experience.  The solemn silence of that ceremony, with the precision performance of the guards, punctuate the purpose of the place...to honor all of those who have fallen in battle, who's bodies are lost or who were unable to be identified.  Taking that into consideration, as I stood and gazed across the rolling hills lined with more than 14,000 white grave markers, I was struck by the reality of the sacrifice and investment made by millions of people over the history of our nation.

Fast-forward two decades and 3,749 miles, I find myself standing on the grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery.  There, as in Arlington, I saw the perfect lines of white makers, identifying the graves of over 9,000 troops who died in Europe during World War II.  These were individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice to insure freedom for millions who were being persecuted, oppressed and murdered by the advancement of tyranny and dictatorial evil intent on taking over the world.  As I stood that day, looking out over Omaha Beach, where allied troops landed to make headway in driving back the advancement of tyranny, a Frenchman stood next to me.  Knowing that I am an American, he looked at me and said, "Thank you for what your country did here for the people of France."

On this Memorial Day, we must continue to be reminded of the value of those who have served our nation well as members of the armed forces.  Most importantly, we remember the great price paid by many who have given the most...by giving their lives.  Their sacrifice has helped to preserve freedom for Americans and others around the world.  When we stand in places like Arlington National Cemetery, there is a sense that those who have sacrificed for our freedom, stand in the stadium of the heavens looking on, cheering us on, to continue to fight for liberty and defend against the evils of those who are intent upon destroying life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all in this world who cherish freedom.

The writer of the book of Hebrews also spoke of a "stadium" of onlookers who cheer for those who are in the fray of the daily pursuit of our life of faith.   In this visual that the Hebrews writer gives us, the context is that of an athletic race of endurance.  This race of the life of faith is from salvation to our eternal destination.  As we run this race, were are being cheered on by this huge crowd of witnesses who have gone before us...they have completed the race.  Now, they cheer for us to complete it as well.

Others Have Pioneered the Way

One of the things that Memorial Day does for Americans is to remind us that others have paved the way for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.  In some ways, we realize that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.  This inspires us to continue to stand strong for freedom and strength as a nation.  In the visual of Hebrews 12, the same thing is provided.  We are reminded that we have this legacy of faith because many have gone before us to lay the foundation.  We are inspired to follow in their path of the race that has been laid out before us.  They surround us.  They encourage us with their faithful race.  They remind us that we do not run in vain.  Our hearts are inspired.  Our faith in spurred on to strengthen our race.

They Remind Us What is Required

No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer (2 Timothy 2:4).  Those who serve our nation in the military, do so with a commitment and lifestyle that sacrifices the things that civilians take for granted.  They volunteer to place themselves under the direction of a commander who expects their complete loyalty to the cause...to the mission to which they have been assigned.  In this race of faith...this warfare that we fight...the cloud of witnesses reminds us that we are called to make the choices to live a disciplined and dedicated life of faith.

So, let's stick with one metaphor here.  The Hebrews passage is using the metaphor of running a race.  He tells us that there are two things we must do in order to run this race well...running with endurance.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (2 Timothy 2:5).  Let's consider the "rules" given here in Hebrews 12:

1. Lay aside every weight
No runner, wanting to finish the race of endurance well, wants to carry extra weight.  Rather, a runner makes sure that they have nothing to hinder their performance.  For the follower of Christ, running the race of faith, the same is true.  We are encouraged  to lay aside anything that will slow us down in our race.  The Apostle Paul wrote about this principle, "Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is helpful. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be brought under the control of anything (1 Corinthians 6:12).  To run well means that we sometimes we make decisions about what is best, not just what is right.  So, think of what areas of life that may hold issues for you here.  Are there things that distract you from priorities?  Are there activities that prevent you from focusing on what is really important?  Are there involvements that become addictive?  These aren't sin in themselves, but they are weights that slow you down in running the race well.  These are the things that need to be laid aside.

2. Lay aside every sin
This is a little more clear...usually.  As a follower of Christ, we accept the Word of God as our guide for faith and life.  It is the truth that instructs us concerning right and wrong...the absolutes and the laws that  lay out for us how to live a life of holiness that benefits us and fulfills our calling.  As Ephesians 4:1 reminds us, "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called..."  Through confession and repentance, we can lay aside the sins that, don't just slow us down, but which entangle us...presenting the danger of causing us to fall.  We cannot hope to run our race of faith without giving attention to this process.  The promise we are given, when we commit ourselves to holiness, is forgiveness.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 1:9-2:1).  So, you see, laying aside the sin that entangles us is a matter or confession and the forgiveness of God.  It is as simple as that.

We Have the Perfect Champion

This is all about focus.  The soldier on the battlefield is attentive to the orders of the commander.  The athlete on the field must be focused on the instructions of the coach.  In our race of faith, we have the perfect "coach."  He has "initiated" and "perfected" our faith.  Jesus is not a "religious leader" who just demands and orders his followers to blindly do things that keep them under his control.  Instead, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to initiate and complete the faith that we have acquired.  Therefore, we can run our race with our eyes fixed upon Him...we listen to His voice...we watch for His hand at work in our lives.  It is His work in us, and His power in us, that enables us to finish the race successfully.  He is in the place of power and status, at the right hand of the Father.  The good news is, we are seated there with Him.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus... (Ephesians 2:4-6).  Being seated with Christ at the Father's right hand means we have access to all the power, covering, wisdom, grace and sustenance that we need to run well and to finish well.

What an amazing visual to imagine, that all the saints of the ages past are gathered around us in the heavenly realm, cheering us on to victory as we run our race of faith with endurance.  That race is possible because of the One who's Spirit lives in us.  We can finish the race well...we can fulfill our purpose for which God designed us.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:8-9).​  We will not grow weary in living our purpose as long as we allow His Spirit to fill us daily.

An Example of a Mother's Influence

Susanna Annesley was born the youngest of 25 children to a London clergyman.  She was brought up with a strong Christian education in her English home.  When she met Samuel Wesley, it was through the visits of he and his pastor father, among many who came to the Annesley home.  Susanna and Samuel married and she became the wife of a minister as well.  Through many heartaches, challenges of ministry, tragedy of the death of 9 of her children, marital conflict and loss of all material possession through a fire that destroyed the rectory, Susanna was a stalwart wife and mother of strong faith.  She reared her 10 surviving children, educating them in their home, while supporting her husband in ministry and managing household financial affairs.

One may say that Susanna Wesley was a tremendous success, as she worked as a partner to her husband in his ministry.  She even conducted worship services for parishioners in their home, during an extended absence of her husband, that was very popular with the members of the church.  She was resilient, strong-willed, of deep spiritual faith and a meticulous organizer and manager of the household.  However, perhaps author Anne Adams put it best when she wrote of the true success of Susanna Wesley:  ​

Our Family and Our Purpose

The question we consider today is, "How does the role we have in our family inform how we pursue the God-given purpose that we have?"  Does it?  Should it?  I contend, there is really no way to avoid it.

Spousal Role

As a husband or wife, we have made a commitment to that marriage partner that changed our lives the day we said, "I do."  That means that we no longer make decisions with consideration only for our own interests.  Pursuing our purpose as a spouse includes that commitment and the way we integrate our faith with one another.  One of our Purposed 365 community members, Tim Johnson, put it this way, "One of the purposes in my marriage is to be a student of my wife."  I like the way that is stated.  I am fulfilling my purpose as I learn all I can about the person with whom I have committed to journey through this life.  I can't hope to relate to her, understand her and care for her effectively if I don't know the person she really is.

The Scripture instructs husbands and wives, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21), and "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).  Submitting ourselves to one another, understanding and living with one another in a partnership, requires that we know one another.  As P365 community member, Erica Renee Cox McKinney, stated, "I feel more in my purpose when my family life is taken care of...I find it brings order, unity, less stress and chaos."  I couldn't agree more.  When we focus on our spousal role and prioritize that relationship, fulfilling our purpose naturally flows out of that priority.

Parental Role

I believe the best fulfillment of my purpose, in partnership with my wife, was bringing up our daughter in the ways of the Lord.  We are proud of the woman she has become, and the role of wife and mother that she is fulfilling in her own purpose.  In commenting on this topic, she (Emily Simpkins) shared, "...Mothering represents laying down your life for another, which represents the Gospel. WOW! That really caught my attention, what greater purpose can I have than to be a clear representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? So, I would say being intentional in not only my words and actions, as a mother and wife, but in my thoughts as well. I am striving (and still failing most of the time) to approach motherhood as kingdom work and as one of the most important ways I can fulfill my purpose right now."  Community member, Kimberly Hall described her intention to teach and model what is right as she strives to influence them positively, "As my children age, I feel the purpose to keep them grounded. Hopefully, I have raised them to know right from wrong. I try to always be a positive influence. As your children watch what you do, you are their example and they learn as they look up to their parents." 

The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy, commending the faith-filled rearing from his mother and grandmother, "I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you" (2 Timothy 1:5).  He knew that it was crucial in Timothy's development, that he have a mother and grandmother who accepted it central to their purpose, to bring him up in the nurture of the Christian faith.  This enabled Timothy to learn and prepare to fulfill his purpose in ministry.

Let me hasten to add, however, a very important point.  The comments of our community members, and the reality of my own experience, remind us that fulfilling our purpose as parents is one of imperfection, requiring grace and constant seeking of the right way to guide our children.  There were times, as our daughter was growing up, that I had to pray for wisdom and work to keep communication open and use teachable moments.  It was a learning experience for us that required a lot of grace and help of the Holy Spirit.  Whether we are bringing up our biological children, step children, or a blended family, keeping our focus on the wisdom that God gives, will enable us to purposefully parent those whom God has commended to us.   Community member, Angie Melson, expressed this challenge, "Being a stepmom to adult children and a child of aging parents feels overwhelming at times. I struggle with finding my 'sweet spot' in parenting adult children. I don’t want to be too hovering to them but I also want them to know I’m here and I love and think of them daily."  It isn't easy, and there's no "one size fits all" approach to the challenges of parenting.  As our children grow older, our parenting relationship changes.  It takes care and wisdom to traverse that phase.  There are two things that should be constant, however.  One is that we continue to love them unconditionally and the second, that we continue to seek God's wisdom to discern how to adapt to change and communicate effectively.  We are reminded in James 1:5, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

Children of Aging Parents

For many of us, our parenting experience goes through several stages...not necessarily in this particular order.  We start our family with the birth and early development of our children.  They go through adolescence, which can have its unique challenges.  Then, they begin to leave the nest and move into young adulthood...college, career, marriage.  We may become grandparents as our own children grow older and start families of their own.   At some point, then, we begin to transition in our relationship with our own parents as they enter their elder years.  We may find ourselves, in some ways, taking on a parental role to our parents...securing their safety, managing their finances, planning for and providing day-to-day care.  It is new territory for most people and can be very challenging, especially if it comes at a time when you are in the busiest phase of your career,  or while being pulled toward supporting and engaging with your own children and grandchildren.  Again, Angie Melson wrote, "With aging parents, it’s tough to navigate that relationship at times as well, because, like you mentioned, the roles are a bit reversed, but we will always be their children. So...I’m working on finding my purpose in this stage of life I find myself, and looking for ways to experience joy and gratitude for the blessings of having these beautiful family members in my life."  That is a beautiful way of expressing the challenge of the journey.  In the midst of this season, we can know that we have purpose...caring for those we love...supporting them in their declining years...helping them feel safe and valued and loved.  That purpose in itself brings joy...for, what a privilege it is to care for the ones who spent so much of their lives caring for us.  "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

The words of Jem Finch echo in my mind, "You sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not."   If I could choose my family, I would choose the very ones I already have.  In each season of my life, whether as a spouse, parent or child, I want to live my purpose as I integrate my faith into each of those relationships.  In the words of Susanna Wesley, "I am content to fill a little space if God be glorified."

He has a good sense of direction so when there's a traffic back-up, he tries the back roads to get around it.  It doesn't matter that it doesn't eventually save any time, it's just the fact that he can keep moving.  Even though it takes just as long, and involves more miles, he feels satisfied that he is able to be "making progress" instead of sitting still in traffic on the interstate.  His wife has come to realize this is sort of his method of operation on road trips and sometimes, she will say, "Don't you want to just be patient and wait in out?"  But, most of the time, she just humorously asks, "Do you know where you're going?"  Undaunted, however, he revels in his achievement when he emerges triumphant in bypassing the back-up and gets back on the original route beyond the jam, and moving once again at highway speed.

Does this sound familiar?  I can speak so well of this scenario because this guy is me.  I think it may be a man thing, but maybe many of the females reading this can relate as well.  Sometimes my endeavors serve me well, and sometimes it gets me into a situation where I'm no better off than I was sitting in the creeping line of cars. Sometimes I get off the original route because I consciously choose to try a different route.  However, at other times, I missed a turn, requiring me to recalculate my route and ultimately losing time in reaching my destination.

The reality?...we all get sidetracked sometimes.  What do we do when it happens?  Just this week, for example, I missed publishing this post on Tuesday as I have been doing weekly all year.  You're seeing this post become available on Friday, three days later than usual.  How do I deal with that?  Maybe your'e thinking, "That's no big deal."  But, for some of us, just getting off track on even a little thing in life can cause our rhythms to be upset and we end up spiraling in some way.  This could be simple and short-lived in something as basic as a diet, or something as serious and impactful as an addiction.  So, here are a few principles I've learned that you may find helpful to recalculate your route if you get side-tracked.

Unhelpful Thinking
​

• All or Nothing

This is the thinking that, if I can't do it all, I won't do it at all.  It can be a mindset that interrupts our flow when we get off track with something in life.  It is a mentality of lack of resource or lack of opportunity.  We may tend to think, "Since I've gotten off track, it is because I don't have the resources or opportunities to really maintain this process."  Of course, that could be true, but more often than not, it may be an excuse, or at least a short-sighted view of our reality.  Perhaps, this is where we need an outside perspective to help us realign with the reality of our resources and opportunities.

• Perfectionism Paralysis

This is a phenomenon that I have written about before when it comes to getting started...called the paralysis of analysis.  It can also keep us from rejoining our route if we have gotten knocked off course.  Thinking, in our analysis of the situation, that we've messed up and our record is marred, we are hesitant to restart.  That perfect stretch of success is no longer possible.  But, let's face reality, is anything in life a perfectly uninterrupted stream?  If you're like me, we are hard pressed to point to such a thing.  Don't let that keep you from getting back on the proverbial horse.

• Defeated Detour

This is similar to the two mindsets above, but is the ultimate outcome if we don't effectively deal with them.  We become defeated and discouraged.  That leads us to just quit, saying, "What's the use?"

Intentional Thinking

There is a better way.  It is to think intentionally, to look at things realistically and to give yourself permission to keep going without expectations that are irrational for yourself.

• Start From Where You Are

You really can't start from anywhere else.  You are where you are.  Growing up in church, I suppose the most-sung song at the response time of the service in my experience, was entitled, "Just As I Am."  That speaks of God's heart for us, as He calls us to Himself.  He doesn't ask us to get our act together before He will accept us.  He says to start where you are...come to me just as you are and I will take it from there.  That translates to the moments in life when we get off track as well.  We can't really be any place but the place we are, right?  Then, realize that is where you have to restart your course.  When playing golf, if my ball goes in the rough and out of bounds, I have to kick back in at that point.  It is not acceptable to toss my ball on the green and pretend that my bad slice never happened.  I take the stroke penalty, set into the fairway, and take my next swing.  We will overcome those detours in life when we accept that we are where we are, and just set up and take our next swing to advance toward the next "hole."

• Just Start

The first step is always the hardest.  That is true in so many things...starting an exercise routine, getting on a healthy diet, getting up earlier to spend time in the Word, etc.  When we have gotten off track with a particular rhythm in life, the best mentality is just, RE-START.   As Nike says, "Just do it."  Don't over-think it.  Don't make excuses.  Don't beat yourself up.  Get up, dust yourself off, and take the next step.

• It's Never Over Until It's Over

Getting sidetracked in something can be discouraging and cause us to consider quitting.  But, think about the possible things you will miss out on if you quit prematurely...experiences, growth, opportunities, relationships, impact...the list goes on.  We never know what lies around the next turn in the road of life.  If we don't get back on the route we were traveling, we will never know what we missed out on that God wanted to do in us, and through us, for His glory...remember that purpose thing we've been talking about?  So, remind yourself that it's never over until it's over.  New and exciting things await us as we continue to follow the path we've been shown.

It was September 18, 2010.  My wife and I had traveled from our home in central Arkansas to middle Tennessee, for a weekend of ministry.  We had been invited back to the congregation we had served for 10 years, as they were dedicating a new facility to serve their community.  As I prepared the message I would share that Sunday morning, I had no idea how the truth God showed me would be a test of my own trust in His sovereignty.

The dedication message on that Sunday would come from Joshua 4:1-11.  It was a challenge and encouragement to stack the stones of life that represent how God has worked in us, so that they offer a memorial/testimony of praise to His glory.  I encouraged the people to glorify God because He is faithful, honor Him as the Great Provider, and to glorify Him for the sake of future generations.

God has a knack of bringing the truth of His Word into the reality of our daily lives in ways we might not expect.  Saturday night, prior to my sermon presentation, the process began to do just that.  I would have the opportunity to have my trust in God's sovereignty tested and tried and proven.  That evening I received a call from a pastor of one or our churches in St. Croix, Virgin Islands.  As the call unfolded, I learned of the tragic accident that resulted in the death of one of their high school students in the church and school.  The loss of this young man was having a ripple effect among the students and the community.  They needed someone to come and provide crisis/grief counseling to their students and families.  He asked if I would come and help.

Take Charge and Get Things Planned
Time was of the essence.  The students, staff and families needed support and counseling as soon as possible.  There was no time to waste, so we went to work trying to plan the logistics of getting me to St. Croix and getting my wife back home.  I had to re-pack and arrange my flight out of Little Rock, once I returned home on Monday.  It was a 7-hour drive back to our home, the best I could do was to arrive on the island on late Tuesday evening.  This was at least 24 hours too long.  But, what could we do?  How could we make it work?  We were working as hard as we could to come up with a plan.  Nothing seemed to work to make the timetable meet the need.  Our best efforts were coming up short. 

Life is like that sometimes...we think we have it figured out, or we give our best effort to make things work out as needed.  Our best efforts sometimes fall short.  But, when we trust God's sovereignty, things come together in ways we can't imagine.  That's because He isn't limited by the same things that limit us.

God Already Has It Worked Out
As we were developing the plan, it was in a conversation with the travel agent with whom we were working that it suddenly occurred to us...we were thinking about this all wrong.  The agent pointed out to us that we were already in an ideal location to make the timetable work perfectly.  Flying out of Nashville provided a flight schedule that was perfect for our needs.  So, I booked my flight for 6:00 am on Monday morning, heading to St. Croix.  My wife booked her flight to Little Rock for 6:30 am.  Our vehicle was left at the airport for me to drive home upon my return.  Friends picked her up at the airport to get her home.  I was on the ground on Monday afternoon in St. Croix, at 2:45 pm...over 24 hours earlier than we could have made possible with our original plans.  What about my clothes (I had only packed for a two-day trip)?  The ministry in St. Croix purchased clothes for me to wear during the week I was there.  You see, God already had me in the ideal location at the ideal time to make it possible to go and minister to the needs of hurting people.  God's sovereignty is perfect as He goes before us to prepare the way...His faithfulness is sure, His provision is enough and His timing is perfect.

Does God Need Our Help?
I was reminded that week, that God is always at work to accomplish His plan.  He isn't surprised by the unexpected circumstances of our lives.  I've found that there is tremendous comfort in the reality that God is already present in the moments we have yet to experience.  He is already there to be present with us when we arrive.  That means He already has it under control.  He is already there with the resources we need to be sustained and equipped for the moment.

The next time we face those unexpected challenges...the struggles or opportunities that life presents...let's lean into His sovereignty and trust His goodness.  He doesn't need us to help Him out.  He just wants us to look for His hand at work...and find peace.  That is how we know we are living a life of purpose.

[This post is a companion to the podcast, episode 5, by the same title.  Hop over here to listen before you read on.]

The sun was just beginning to set over the hill that overlooked our subdivision.  The smell of freshly cut grass lingered in the air and the shouts and laughter of us kids floated above the pulsing din of the cicadas.  Our parents watched from the back deck of our neighbor's house as we zigzagged across the yard, mason jars in hand, trying to capture as many fireflies as we could.   Those elusive insects were here, then there, and we darted toward each flashing light, trying to catch another one before it disappeared into the fragrant wall of honeysuckle that bordered the grass-carpeted playing field of our childhood antics.  We finally collapsed onto the lawn, laughing, sweaty bodies itching from the grass in which we rolled.  Our parents called us to come in as the last glimmer of light faded from the summer sky.

Summer...it is my favorite season of the year.  It was as a child, and it continues to be so now.  I love the sunny days, the warm nights, the comfort of being outside and all of the fauna and flora that come with it.  Some of my fondest memories are associated with summer. 

Conversely, I don't like winter.  It may be overreacting to say I hate the winter season, but not too much so.  I don't like the cold, damp days.  I don't like the short days that go from dreary to dark all too quickly.  I don't like the dead look of the vegetation.  I don't like to walk on brown grass that crunches under your feet.  Snow...well, that's the only redeeming element of the season.

But, here's the thing...we don't get summer without having winter...at least here in North America.  You see, after enduring the harshness and unpleasantness of winter, I get to see everything gradually come to life in the spring...trees budding, flowers blooming, birds singing, young wildlife running about.  Then, spring gradually transitions into those lazy, hazy days of summer...at least in a perfect world.  But, you get the idea.

Bottom line...seasons are all necessary and each one serves its purpose.  The same is true in our lives.  We go through various seasons over the course of our lives and each one fits a need in the linear process.  Sometimes they build upon one another, at other times they provide transition, and still others, they place us on a sort of hold to give us a chance to reset.  These, and many others, are the reasons that seasons exist in our lives.

God Wastes Nothing
So you see, this season of life turned out to be more than just a year of waiting for life to start.  It was a training ground in so many ways.  It proves that God wastes nothing.

This is a truth that we all need to understand when it comes to pursuing and fulfilling our purpose in His master plan.  He uses everything in our lives as a part of His shaping and forming process, so that we can fulfill His purpose for us.  For each of us that is unique, and for all of us it is the same.  What I mean is, He molds us into a vessel of honor as He prepares and uses us to fulfill our unique role in His Kingdom.  He molds us into the image of His Son, so that we can all become more and more like Jesus until we arrive at our ultimate destination to spend eternity with Him.  We will never understand how to fully pursue our purpose without understanding that simple truth.